Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of death and illness in people with HIV-1. At the time the study was designed, the standard treatment for people with HIV-1 and HCV coinfection included two drugs: pegylated-interferon alfa 2b (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin (RBV). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of giving boceprevir (BOC) together with standard treatment in treating HCV infection in people with HIV-1 and HCV coinfection.

SVR24 was defined as undetectable HCV RNA (below the lower limit of quantitation of the assay and target not detected by Roche COBAS® TaqMan® HCV Test v2.0) at 24 weeks after treatment discontinuation. Participants without HCV RNA for SVR24 determination were considered not to have achieved SVR24.

Number of participants who experienced an AE (sign or symptom or laboratory abnormality) of Grade 3 or higher at any time after baseline while on study. The AEs were graded by the clinicians according to the Division of AIDS (DAIDS) AE Grading Table (see references in the Protocol Section) as follows: Grade 1=Mild, Grade 2=Moderate, Grade 3=Severe, Grade 4=Potentially Life-Threatening.

SVR12 was defined as undetectable HCV RNA (below the lower limit of quantitation of the assay and target not detected by Roche COBAS® TaqMan® HCV Test v2.0) at 12 weeks after treatment discontinuation. Participants without HCV RNA for SVR12 determination were considered not to have achieved SVR12.

Undetectable HCV RNA was defined as below the lower limit of quantitation of the assay and target not detected by Roche COBAS® TaqMan® HCV Test v2.0. This outcome measure was intended for a potential interim analysis when study data up to Week 28 were complete. However, this interim analysis was not conducted.

Number of Participants With Grade 2 or Higher Signs and Symptoms and Laboratory Abnormalities and Other Serious AEs [ Time Frame: From study treatment dispensation to Week 28 ] [ Designated as safety issue: Yes ]

This outcome measure was intended for a potential interim analysis when study data up to Week 28 were complete. However, this interim analysis was not conducted. Refer to Outcome Measure 2 above for the safety outcome that includes the whole study duration from entry to week 72.

Participants were prescribed a lead-in with PEG-IFN and RBV for 4 weeks. After the lead-in, BOC was added. Cirrhotic participants received 44 weeks of triple therapy (BOC+PEG-IFN+RBV). Among non-cirrhotics, the Week 8 HCV RNA was used to determine total duration of therapy. Those who had undetectable HCV RNA at Week 8 completed therapy at Week 28. Those with detectable HCV RNA at Week 8 received 32 weeks of triple therapy followed by 12 additional weeks of PEG-IFN+RBV.

Drug: Pegylated-Interferon Alfa 2b (PEG-IFN)

1.5 mcg/kg subcutaneously (SC) once a week (based on participant's weight at entry) for up to 48 weeks depending on cirrhosis status and, in Group A, Week 8 HCV viral response.

Drug: Ribavirin (RBV)

800-1400 mg orally per day with food (based on participant's weight at entry) for up to 48 weeks depending on cirrhosis status and, in Group A, Week 8 HCV viral response.

Drug: Boceprevir (BOC)

800 mg orally every 8 hours with food from Week 5 to up to Week 48 depending on cirrhosis status and, in Group A, Week 8 HCV viral response

Experimental: HCV Treatment-Experienced (Group B)

Participants were prescribed a lead-in with PEG-IFN and RBV for 4 weeks. After the lead-in, BOC was added. Cirrhotic participants received 44 weeks of triple therapy (BOC+PEG-IFN+RBV), and non-cirrhotics received 32 weeks of triple therapy followed by 12 additional weeks of PEG-IFN+RBV.

Drug: Pegylated-Interferon Alfa 2b (PEG-IFN)

1.5 mcg/kg subcutaneously (SC) once a week (based on participant's weight at entry) for up to 48 weeks depending on cirrhosis status and, in Group A, Week 8 HCV viral response.

Drug: Ribavirin (RBV)

800-1400 mg orally per day with food (based on participant's weight at entry) for up to 48 weeks depending on cirrhosis status and, in Group A, Week 8 HCV viral response.

Drug: Boceprevir (BOC)

800 mg orally every 8 hours with food from Week 5 to up to Week 48 depending on cirrhosis status and, in Group A, Week 8 HCV viral response

Presence of chronic HCV infection, defined by presence of plasma or serum HCV RNA in a participant with HCV antibody for at least 180 days, two documented HCV RNA positive results greater than 180 days apart, or positive HCV RNA with biopsy demonstrating chronic hepatitis. More information on this criterion can be found in the protocol.

Liver biopsy or HCV FibroSURE™ test within 104 weeks prior to study entry with interpretation consistent with chronic HCV infection. If a liver biopsy HCV FibroSURE™ test had not been performed within 104 weeks prior to study entry, then either a biopsy or HCV FibroSURE™ test must have been obtained prior to enrollment. The cut-off value for the FibroSURE™ test was 0.74, where greater than 0.74 was interpreted as cirrhosis. More information on this criterion can be found in the protocol.

Alpha feto protein (AFP) levels less than 50. If 50 or greater, they must have had a liver imaging study (e.g., ultrasound, computed tomography [CT] scan, magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] showing no evidence of hepatocellular carcinoma.

HIV-1 infection. More information on this criterion can be found in the protocol.

Currently not on any antiretroviral therapy (ART) for at least 4 weeks immediately prior to entry or on stable ART for at least 8 weeks prior to study entry using a dual NRTI backbone PLUS one of the following: EFV, RAL, LPV/RTV 400/100 mg twice daily, ATV/RTV, DRV/RTV 600/100 mg twice daily. Breaks in therapy for a maximum of 14 days were allowed. Dose modifications or changes in drugs during the 8 weeks prior to study entry were permitted unless the change in drug was due to treatment failure. More information on this criterion can be found in the protocol.

For participants on ART, screening plasma HIV-1 RNA less than 50 copies/mL obtained within 42 days prior to study entry. For participants not on ART, plasma HIV-1 RNA less than 50,000 copies/mL obtained within 42 days prior to study entry.

The following laboratory values within 42 days prior to entry:

Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) 1000/mm^3 or greater,

Hemoglobin greater than 12 g/dL for men and greater than 11 g/dL for women,

For female participants of reproductive potential, a negative serum or urine pregnancy test with a sensitivity of at least 50 mIU/mL performed within 42 days prior to study entry. More information on this criterion can be found in the protocol.

All participants must have agreed not to participate in a conception process (e.g., active attempt to become pregnant or to impregnate, sperm donation, in vitro fertilization).

When participating in sexual activity that could lead to pregnancy, participants must have agreed to use at least two reliable methods of contraception simultaneously while receiving protocol-specified medications, and for 6 months after stopping the medications. Such methods include:

Condoms (male or female) with a spermicidal agent,

Diaphragm or cervical cap with spermicide,

Intrauterine device (IUD),

Tubal ligation.

More information on this criterion can be found in the protocol.

Participants not of reproductive potential were eligible without requiring the use of contraceptives. More information on this criterion can be found in the protocol.

Ability and willingness of participant to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria (Groups A and B):

Known allergy/sensitivity or any hypersensitivity to components of study drugs or their formulation.

Evidence of decompensated liver disease manifested by the presence of or history of ascites, variceal bleeding, or hepatic encephalopathy. If hepatic cirrhosis was determined by liver biopsy (Stage 4 Metavir or Stage 5, 6 Ishak) or by imaging, then participants had to be no more than Child-Pugh Class A and have a Child-Pugh-Turcotte (CPT) score of 6 or less. More information on this criterion can be found in the protocol.

Infection with any HCV genotype other than genotype 1, or mixed genotype infection.

Uncontrolled or active depression or other psychiatric disorder such as untreated. Grade 3 psychiatric disorder or Grade 3 disorder not amenable to medical intervention that in the opinion of the site investigator might have precluded tolerability or safety of study requirements. Individuals with suicidal ideation or history of a suicidal attempt in the last 5 years prior to enrollment were excluded.

History of uncontrolled seizure disorders.

Serious illness including malignancy, active coronary artery disease within 24 weeks prior to study entry, or other chronic medical conditions that in the opinion of the site investigator may have precluded completion of the protocol.

Presence of active or acute AIDS-defining opportunistic infections within 12 weeks prior to study entry. More information on this criterion can be found in the protocol.

History of hemoglobinopathy (e.g., thalassemia) or any other cause of or tendency to hemolysis.

History of major organ transplantation with an existing functional graft.

History of autoimmune processes including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, severe psoriasis, or rheumatoid arthritis that may be exacerbated by IFN use.

Breastfeeding.

Male participants with pregnant sexual partner.

Use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) or granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) within 14 days prior to study entry.

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Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01482767